Mavericks unseat The Outlaws

The Outlaws lost their unbeaten Slam League record with a 10 run loss to the South Nutfield Mavericks last night. Set 179 to chase our lads came up 10 runs short.

The Mavericks were allowed to get off to a flying start by an Outlaws team that was uncharacteristically lacking the cutting edge when they are at their best. Wickets were hard to come by, and lackluster fielding allowed Walker and Hooper to retire on 50, compiling a 100 run partnership in the process during the first 10 overs. The second 10 overs saw much tighter performance bowling and fielding, slowing the run rate. Matt Talbot and Matt Norman were particularly frugal with their bowling going for 24 and 18 runs respectively in their four overs.

The Outlaws reply did not get off to a flying start, and wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing the run rate. Will Blease, Marcus Malley and Matt Norman combined in the middle overs lifting us from a precarious 74-4 to 152-5 and game on. With three overs to go and eight an over needed the Mavericks were rattled and their fielding became ragged.

In the end wickets falling ended our chase, but if we can run a strong, competitive team this close when we are not at our best then our hopes of progressing in the Slam remain undimmed.

Next up - The Oxted and Limpsfield Grasshoppers at home on Wednesday 5 June